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getting published, north carolina writers, Pittsboro, poetry, poets, writing goals, writing process, writing prompts
A few weeks ago I took one of my writer-friends out to lunch for his birthday. He generally writes poetry, but over the past year his focus has shifted to fiction. I realized the same transition surfaced in my own creative writing. I used to write several new poems each month, but last year I may have written a dozen–at most–cumulatively.
I’ve blogged about why I write, but inspiration is different. Some people need a Thoreau-esque connection with nature, others need the grit of a city, some writers (like myself) can scribble away in coffee shops, while many others need silence and a room of their own.
When it comes to writing prompts I have found surprises work best.
I’ve gone to writing workshops where a bag of words is passed around, a setting is provided to everyone, or we are given a set time to freewrite. These are great, but typical.
How can we surprise ourselves?
I find running Poetry on Demand Booths is a surprise factory. You cannot predict what word someone will bring you next.

Writing poems on demand.
When I organize Aromas in Creativity workshops I am surprised by the random memories different smells trigger.

Use aromas as writing prompts.
For me, a simple drive around our town is usually overwhelmingly inspiring. The pastoral farmland, small-town life, and historic home architectures make me want to write.

One of the many farms nearby.

Writing at Starrlight Mead
Next Saturday I am organizing a unique writing prompt workshop facilitated by poet Bartholomew Barker. Instead of your traditional word prompts we are pouring prompts by the glass. If you are in the Triangle-area of North Carolina, check out Poetry Uncorked! (Registration closes Sunday, January 11th.) The workshop is open to non-poets (I will be focusing on short fiction). We will meet at Starrlight Mead on January 17th, sample 8 different meads (honey wines) and have dedicated time to write. The class fee is $35, includes the tastings, a Starrlight Mead wine glass, a copy of Bart’s poetry book, and a packet of literary journal markets where you can submit your work.
I love the idea of a poetry event at a winery . . . but how would I make it home? LOL! And where’s the winery?
It’s a meadery. 🙂 Starrlight Mead is in Pittsboro in the old Chatham Mills development right on Hillsboro Street (Main Street) as you enter downtown. We plan on grabbing a bite to eat afterwards. There is casual dining in the same development at Chatham Marketplace and super fine dining at Oakleaf. It may be chilly, but a walk downtown is feasible on the sidewalk too. Plenty of time to chat and sober up before a safe drive home. 🙂
I’ll definitely come to the next event you have like this. Right now, I need to stay home and finish the novel I should have completed by the end of December. It’s become longer than I expected!
That’s okay! We decided to cancel this event and reschedule for another time. Too many poets’ schedules conflicted with the NC Poetry Society winter meeting at the same time. Will keep you posted. Happy noveling!
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